Marion Palace Theatre

Marion Community Spotlight

The historical Marion Palace Theatre is often described by members of the Marion community and local businesses as the jewel of downtown Marion. We take exceptional pride in this locally owned world-class performing arts center that has been part of our community since 1928.
Constructed by theatre architect John Eberson, the Marion palace theater is one of nearly 200 atmospheric theatres he built. Sadly, only 16 of these treasures including the Marion palace remain operational in the US today.

With great care, Eberson planned every minute detail of the Marion Palace Theatre’s design from the pier Hughes applied on the stucco walls to the imaginative lighting effects, statues and furnishings. I made the stuffed pigeons at a door in the upper sky regions of the auditorium, patrons can also discovered the shape of the big dipper twinkling in the sky.

From the early days of vaudeville and silent films to today’s concert hall in hometown musicals, Eberson’s ingenious design has serve the arts in our community well. If he’s walls could talk, we hear stories of first dates, first kisses, and proposals. We’d learn of dreams dreamed and dreams fulfilled. Lives touched by the beauty of a song or the motions of a dance. We could relive children’s first stage. Since, high school musicals, awards programs, college graduations, the pride of local talent on stage, the thrill of touring artists, aging talents final curtain calls, favorite films viewed, wedding vows made, and even funeral messages given. All right here at Marion Palace Theatre.
The palace continues to be a significant landmark attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year to downtown Marion, Ohio. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Palace is also a member of the League of Historic American Theaters and the Ohio Arts Presenters Network.
Under the direction of the Bev Ford, the theater has undergone several recent upgrades and tremendous improvement, not the least of which was a $1.8 million renovation to the once deteriorating historic facade. Brighter and better than before, the theater boasts an energy-efficient 50 foot P-A-L-A-C-E sign in digital marquee. In 2015, the theater installed a brand-new high-tech digital projection system, much to the delight of movie-goers. This season, patrons will experience improved parking with the addition of the paved lot located behind the theater. As technology advances, so does the theater. Credit cards are now excepted at all events and, later this year, the theater will launch a new and improved user-friendly website.
You are invited to discover the thrill of belonging to an organization that commits itself to impacting lives through the preforming arts. Each membership contribution, ticket purchase, and partnership through sponsorship helps preserve a piece of history. Belonging to this theatre family offers you the opportunity to have part in this legacy, to make memories for you and for all our audiences.
For more information about how to become a member, learn more about our history, and to purchase tickets to upcoming events, please visit our website or contact the Palace.
276 W Center St.
Marion, OH
740.383.2101

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